Cryptosporidium contamination of water in Africa: the impact on mortality rates for children with HIV/AIDS

There are currently an estimated 2 million children with HIV/AIDS worldwide, 90% of whom are in subSaharan Africa. Currently approximately 500,000 to 700,000 children acquire HIV infection per year and approximately 300,000 children died of AIDS in 2007. Children living with HIV/AIDS are at particular risk of chronic diarrhea from Cryptosporidium (Cryptosporidiosis) and if infected they are far more likely to suffer major complications or death. Cryptosporidiosis has been found to be a significant predictor of childhood death in subSaharan Africa. Studies in subSaharan Africa have shown a high prevalence of, cryptosporidiosis in children aged 636 months, particularly among children who are malnourished or HIV positive and during rainy seasons. For example, heavy rains from November 2005 to February 2006 in Botswana led to a dramatic increase in admissions and visits to hospitals and health centers of infants leading to the death of 22% of inpatient infants. Adequate sanitation and water treatment are critical for minimizing Cryptosporidium exposure for children living with HIV/AIDS.